In an internal newsletter to its employees, British Airways announced that it would be imposing a “pay least, board last” policy.

The British-based airline will introduce a new “group boarding” process.

Group one, the first to board, will consist of Gold members of the British Airways Executive Club, as well as First Class passengers on long-haul flights and short-haul Business Class travellers.

Next to board, group two, will be Silver members and long-haul Business Class passengers.

Group three will consist of Bronze Executive Club members and Premium Economy passengers.

Group four will be Economy passengers with no special status.

Followed by the last to board, group five – those travelling on the cheapest, hand-baggage only fares.

The airline said the move is about simplifying the boarding process, and bringing it into line with other carriers.

A BA spokeswoman said: “We are always looking at ways to improve and simplify the airport experience for our customers… Next month we are introducing new boarding procedures to speed up the process and make it simpler for customers to understand.

“This method has been used by airlines around the world for a number of years, including by our partners American Airlines, Iberia and Qatar.”

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